Description
This Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower is a spicy, flavorful, and healthy appetizer or side dish featuring crispy cauliflower florets coated in a savory gochujang sauce. Perfectly air-fried to achieve a tender inside and slightly crispy outside, this recipe combines the heat of Korean chili paste with the nutty flavor of sesame, making it an irresistible snack or accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower and Sauce
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
For Air Frying and Garnish
- Olive oil spray
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for cooking the cauliflower evenly and crisping it up.
- Prepare Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the gochujang, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and rice vinegar. Stir well until you have a smooth, homogeneous sauce.
- Coat Cauliflower: Toss the cauliflower florets in the prepared sauce, making sure each piece is evenly coated to infuse the spicy and savory flavors throughout the florets.
- Arrange for Air Frying: Place the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with olive oil to help crisp the exterior during cooking.
- Air Fry: Cook the cauliflower at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 18 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure the florets cook evenly and achieve a uniform crispness.
- Garnish and Serve: Once air fried, transfer the cauliflower to a serving dish. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and texture. Serve immediately.
Notes
- To ensure evenly cooked and crispy cauliflower, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Using low-sodium soy sauce keeps the sodium content moderate and balances the heat of the chili paste.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Make sure to shake the air fryer basket halfway through to avoid burning or uneven cooking.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh to retain crispness but can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes.
